Better HIV-2 diagnosis, treatment and drug resistance testing in West Africa
Official title: Improving Diagnosis, Treatment & Detection of Drug Resistance in HIV-2 Infection
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11606490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to improve how HIV-2 is diagnosed and treated, and to provide easier, cheaper drug-resistance testing, so people in West Africa can stay healthier with simpler HIV care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2015 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $185,410 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI120765-12S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11606490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults living with HIV-2 or HIV-1/HIV-2 dual infection in West Africa or similar resource-limited settings, who are starting or on first-line DTG-based ART or who experience virologic failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not in regions with HIV-2 prevalence or not on DTG-based regimens may see less direct benefit.
What this research studies
In West Africa, where HIV-2 is present alongside HIV-1, this project seeks practical improvements in point-of-care viral load monitoring and real-time drug-resistance testing to support people living with HIV. The work focuses on how first-line regimens like dolutegravir-based ART perform for HIV-2 and dual infections, and how to keep care affordable and accessible in resource-limited settings. By developing simple tests and workflows, the study aims to reduce treatment failures and help clinicians rapidly adjust therapy when needed. The overall goal is to move toward better treatment outcomes and progress toward UNAIDS targets by ensuring timely, effective care for people with HIV-2 and co-infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience more reliable viral suppression and easier access to resistance information to guide treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that DTG regimens are effective, but long-term HIV-2 and dual-infection outcomes require more data, making this approach appropriately innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gottlieb, Geoffrey Scott — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Gottlieb, Geoffrey Scott
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.